Although Lady Di passed away over 26 years ago, she remains in the hearts of the British and fans around the world. Now, they can explore Althorp House, where William and Harry’s mother spent part of her childhood and where her body has rested since her death in 1997.
Princess Diana’s brother announced the news. Charles Edward Maurice Spencer, the Earl Spencer, decided to open the doors of the family home to the public. He has lived there for about thirty years in the East Midlands, at the heart of England. Until August 31, visitors can explore the place where the woman who married Prince Charles grew up.
Lady Di’s Remains Rest at Althorp House
“Home to one of Europe’s finest collections of furniture, paintings, and ceramics, each room of this magnificent family house has a fascinating story,” posted the Earl on his Instagram account. The estate is filled with family memories and is also where his eldest sister is buried.
“She rests on a small island in the center of an ornamental lake in the garden, where a Doric-style temple bearing her name overlooks her final resting place,” as reported by Tatler magazine in a 2021 article. In this peaceful and verdant setting, Lady Di’s remains lie. Charles Spencer often shares photos of the spot and pays tribute to her memory.
Althorp House: Where William and Harry’s Mother Grew Up
At the age of 14, pursued by paparazzi, she moved to Althorp House with her father. His separation from her mother, who had been involved in an affair with a wealthy American businessman, had caused quite a stir in the refined circles of British nobility from which the Viscount of Althorp came.
In this vast estate, the future Princess of Wales enjoyed a happy adolescence surrounded by her older sisters, Lady Sarah and Lady Jane Spencer, and her younger brother, the current Earl Spencer. The family has owned the place since 1508. Originally, the Spencers, who made their fortune in sheep farming, bought this 5,300-acre land in Northampton and built what would become the family home.
Count Spencer’s Daughter Named in Honor of Lady Di
The place has greatly changed since then. The building underwent a complete renovation in the 18th century. Architect Henry Holland transformed the Tudor manor into a grander design. He added tiles to the exterior and four Corinthian pilasters to the front of the house. This made it even more refined and turned it into a venue for lavish parties.
The house also houses numerous works of art acquired by the family over the centuries. Charles Spencer now lives at Althorpe House with his third wife, Karen, and his daughter, Lady Charlotte Spencer. Eleven-year-old Charlotte’s middle name is Diana, in tribute to the aunt she never knew.
The monument in memory of Lady Di is located on a small island in the middle of a lake
This article first appeared on mariefrance.fr – Author: Loïc D.
